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| Clay Dishes |
Japanese-style homewares don't always have to come with a hefty price tag.
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To make these stone-effect platters we use a special modelling clay that doesn't need firing. It comes in a sealed foil package.
1
Take out about half a slab of the clay and knead on a flat surface until pliable. Roll out a slab of clay to an even thickness of 5mm. Use flat chopsticks positioned either side as a guide (the rolling pin runs over the sticks and the clay).
2
Place the piece of hessioan on top of your clay and roll over it to make an impression in the clay and give it some texture.
3
Make a square paper template with 12cm sides. Use the template to cut out the clay with a sharp knife.
4
Using a food container (an old ice-cream container is ideal), prepare the mould by stretching the soft, porous cloth over the top of the container and secure with an elastic band. Make sure the fabric is not too taut, as the objective is to create a gentle curve to mould the clay into a dish shape.
Place the clay square carefully in the cloth mould and allow to dry thoroughly. This will give the clay a slightly scooped shape. It will take a day or two to dry, depending on the weather.
5
Make the foot for the dish by rolling out a piece of clay to about 5mm thick. Cut it into a 5cm square using a sharp knife and a template as before.
6
Place the foot on the underside of the dried dish and secure with masking tape. This will ensure the foot takes on the shape of the dish. When dry stick the foot in place with PVA glue.
7
Sand the rough edges of the platter to achieve a slightly rounded edge. You can use an emery board or fine sandpaper.
8
Mix the acrylic paint up to obtain a sandy stone colour and paint the platter all over, adding more coats until the desired shade is achieved. Seal with at least two coats of acrylic matt varnish. These dishes look attractive on their own or in groups, to show off those precious personal items.
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Materials
Materials
Soft, porous cloth (dish cloth)
Plastic food container
Plastic bag
Elastic band
Das Pronto modelling clay
Chopsticks (flat)
Rolling pin
Hessian (small piece)
Paper
Scissors
Ruler
Sharp Knife
Masking tape
PVA glue
Paint brush
Emery board or fine sandpaper
Acrylic paints
Acrylic matt varnish
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Cost
Modelling clay, $13.99
Paint, $4.20 (per tube)
Hessian, $1.50
Total: $19.69.
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More Info
All materials can be bought at any good craft store.
It's advisable to use these dishes for dry food or display only, unless you have plenty of varnish protection painted on them. To clean, wipe over only. Do not submerge in water.
This and similar ideas can be found in the book Modelling Clay by Penny Boylan, published by Lorenz Books and distributed by Five Mile Press. R.R.P. $18.95. Available where all good books are sold.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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